Statement from the Jesuits’ Office of Justice and Ecology on Honduras Election

December 7, 2017 — On December 3, Pope Francis told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s
Square that he is praying for the people of Honduras, who have been embroiled in a violent political crisis
after a delayed vote count in a recent presidential election. The Jesuits of Canada and the United States
echo the Holy Father’s prayers and share the strong condemnation expressed by the Jesuits of Central
America in denouncing Honduras’ Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

Calling out the Tribunal’s “lack of professionalism and ethics” because of its systematic failure to track
and report the election results, the Central American Jesuits state, “It is no longer just a suspicion, but
a certainty,” that the election has been grossly manipulated and influenced by the state in an attempt to
disregard the will of the people of Honduras.

We stand with our brother Jesuits of Central America, especially those from Honduras, as they denounce
the repression of the Honduran people by government authorities and in their long-lasting and peaceful fight
for a more just and democratic Honduras.

We reaffirm the right of the Honduran people to peacefully protest in order to protect their sacrosanct
electoral right. All the more, we remind Honduran authorities of their utmost obligation to accompany and
protect their citizens.

Along with the Honduran Bishops, we urge “a frank, effective and creative dialogue that will permit us to
reach the minimum agreements needed for governability and governance, restoration of the peace and civic
coexistence in our Honduras.”

We join local and international organizations present in Honduras, in echoing the call from the Honduran
people in asking all governments to take a genuine stand for democracy for the people of Honduras.
Finally, we call upon the governments of the U.S. and Canada to support calls for an independent and
transparent vote recount and urge them to demand that the Honduran government honor the rights of the
Honduran people to peacefully protest and express their opinions.

May 23, 2019 — “The Jesuits first had to learn to say: “We are responsible,” then “We are sorry,” and finally, “We need your help.” This is how Fr. Peter Bisson, SJ, summarizes the evolving relations between the Jesuits and indigenous peoples.

May 23, 2019 — Humility, communion, and renunciation are three "essential elements" for the Church to go forward, Pope Francis sayd in his homily during Mass with representatives of Caritas Internationalis.

Father Jean-Marie Rocheleau died on May 20, 2019, in the infirmary of Richelieu. He was in his 101st year and in religious life for 84 years. He is known to host the "Radio Sacré-Cœur" programs. He dedicated himself to giving the Spiritual Exercises to religious sisters, especially in Quebec.